Commercial Director

The Commercial Director is responsible for the overall strategic management of the hotel by establishing effective working relationships with the senior leadership team, in particular the General Manager, Director of Operations, Director of Finance, and Director of Human Resources. This role provides support and advice to the General Manager in strategic planning and overall business goals relating to the business development issues of the brand and the hotel, protecting and guarding corporate standards, brand integrity, and hotel image.

What will I be doing?

The Commercial Director is responsible for developing a commercial strategy covering all segments and channels to maximize total revenue and profit performance as well as market share penetration of the hotel in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates in general.

This role will drive the planning and execution of the commercial strategy and activity through supporting the Revenue management team, Sales, Catering and Events, Marketing, eCommerce, and Public Relations teams, through working effectively.

A Commercial Director will lead, coach, develop, recruit, and retain future talents. He/she will manage performance, develop and evaluate the commercial team members on the agreed KPIs, whilst working effectively as part of a 4D structure on property. Specifically, a Commercial Director will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

• Directly accountable for driving the Top line Budget and Forecast by implementing a commercial strategy and business plan through to execution using the Hilton Commercial Focus process and all available business tools and intelligence available. Deliver as a minimum the budgeted revenues across all revenue streams, including but not limited to All Rooms, GC&E, F&B, Leisure, and Spa with a control on cost of sale, route to market, channel shift, and marketing/eCommerce opportunities.
• Work with the GM, Finance, and Operations Director to ensure profits are maximized in line with TGOP and EBITDA targets set.
• Ensure Business Review Guidelines (current to +5 years) and all Pricing & Rate Quotation Strategies are in place in order to maximize all pricing components of sales and catering opportunities and achieve positive group market share.
• Support various Marketing teams in coordinating hotel-level marketing, sales, and public relations activities. Liaise with regional support and brand teams to provide maximum benefit to hotel performance.
• Support the Revenue Manager and RMCC to establish an optimal mix, review and validate forecasts, develop strategies for different demand periods, and review and approve retail and group pricing strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, owners, hotel teams, and Hilton matrix support teams to ensure commercial benefits of the hotel.
• Consistently conform to Hilton brand standards and corporate identity and utilize all communication tools (under the guidance of regional marketing and BPS).
• Keep in touch with market trends and review/amend strategies accordingly in line with the evolving market conditions.
• Participate in the leadership activity of the Hotel and Region.

What are we looking for?

A Commercial Director serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To excel in this role, you should exhibit the following attitude, behaviours, skills, and values:

• At least 3+ years of experience presenting sales strategies, plans, and presentations to senior-level executives and key stakeholders.
• Strong experience in Group, Convention, and Events is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience working in a collaborative/matrixed environment.
• Proven ability to analyze departmental financial data and make strategic and tactical decisions, with 3+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and identifying business opportunities for a company with at least 3+ years of experience.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience managing a sales or commercial team, serving as a Commercial Manager or Director (Head of Department).
• A strong team focus, fostering stability and unity within the team is crucial to ensure alignment and drive strong performance across the commercial department.

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• Experience working in a luxury hotel environment.
• Knowledge across multiple disciplines, including Marketing, E-commerce, and Finance.
• Proficiency in European languages is a highly valuable asset.
• Willingness to relocate to Ras Al Khaimah.